Decision details

To consider an exempt report on the construction budget required for the White House development.

Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

Cabinet considered an exempt report seeking approval of a capital spend for the construction budget to provide a 31 bedroom hostel and facilities for severe weather emergency accommodation for the homeless.

Alternative options considered and rejected by the Cabinet:

·         To do nothing

·         To delay works

Resolved to:

1.            Approve the capital spend as set out in the cost plan in Appendix 2to the report;

2.            Authorise the Chief Financial Officer to make prudent financing arrangements for the transaction, should Homes England grant funding fall below the threshold specified in the report;

3.            Authorise the Head of Corporate Governance to enter into any legal documentation necessary to implement this construction project, including any legal agreements required in order to receive grant funding from Homes England;

4.            Authorise the Portfolio Holder and Group Head for Regeneration and Growth to authorise the appointment of a suitable contractor to undertake these works.

Reasons for decision

·         To take advantage of a time-limited grant funding programme which requires completion of the hostel by 31 March 2021.

·         To improve the quality and quantum of accommodation within the Borough for vulnerable homeless households.

·         To align Spelthorne Borough Council with the requirements of the Homeless Reduction Act.